Compounds useful in the treatment of cns disorders

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to novel indole compounds having pharmacological activity, processes for their preparation, to compositions containing them and to their use in the treatment of various CNS disorders.

This invention relates to novel indole compounds having pharmacological activity, processes for their preparation, to compositions containing them and to their use in the treatment of CNS and other disorders.

WO 98/27081 discloses a series of aryl sulphonamide compounds that are said to be 5-HT₆ receptor antagonists and which are claimed to be useful in the treatment of various CNS disorders. GB-2341549, WO 99/47516 and WO 99/65906 all disclose a series of indole derivatives that are claimed to possess 5-HT₆ receptor affinity. WO 96/03400 (Pfizer Inc) describe the use of 1H-indole, 4-(1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)-1-(phenylsulfonyl) as an intermediate in the preparation of 4-heterocyclylindole derivatives as serotonin agonists and antagonists. JP 61205256 (Sagami Chemical Research Center) and Hatanaka, N., Watanabe, N. and Matsumoto, M. (1986) Heterocycles 24(7), 1987-1996 describe the use of 1H-indole, 4-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)-1-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl in the short step synthesis of 4-formylindole and derivatives. JP 03024470 (Sagami Chemical Research Center) and Matsumoto, M., Ishida, Y. and Hatanaka, N. (1986) Heterocycles 24(6), 1667-1674 describe the use of 1H-indole, 1-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-(4-morpholinyl) in the one-step synthesis of 4-aminoindoles.

A structurally novel class of compounds has now been found which also possess 5-HT₆ receptor affinity. The present invention therefore provides, in a first aspect, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

wherein:

-   -   P is phenyl, naphthyl or heteroaryl;     -   R¹ is halogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, C₁₋₆alkanoyl, CN, CF₃,         OCF₃, phenyloxy, benzyloxy or C₃₋₆cycloalloxy;     -   R² is halogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆cycloallyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy,         C₁₋₆alkylthio, C₁₋₆alkylsulphinyl, C₁₋₆alkylsulphonoyl,         C₁₋₆alkanoyl, CN, CF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCF₃, hydroxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl,         hydroxyC₁₋₆alkoxy, C₁₋₆alkoxcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkoxyC₁₋₆alkoxy,         nitro, amino, N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, NHC₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylamino or         diC₁₋₆alkylamino; or     -   R² is a group C(O)OR⁴, CONR⁵R⁶ or NR⁵COR⁶ where R⁴ is hydrogen         or C₁₋₆alkyl, and R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen,         C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁵ and R⁶ combine together to form a 5- to         7-membered azacyclic ring optionally containing an additional         heteroatom selected from nitrogen, sulphur or oxygen; or     -   R² is phenyl, naphthyl or heteroaryl optionally substituted by         groups as defined for R¹ above;     -   R³ is a 5- to 7-membered heterocyclic ring or a bicyclic         heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from         nitrogen, sulphur or oxygen, said rings being optionally         substituted by one or more C₁₋₆allyl groups;     -   m is 0-4;     -   n is 0-5;     -   and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

As a second aspect of the present invention we provide a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein R¹, R², R³, m, n and P are as defined above, with the proviso that the compound of formula (I) is not

-   -   1H-indole, 4-(1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)-1-(phenylsulfonyl); or     -   1H-indole, 4-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)-1-[4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]; or     -   1H-indole, 1-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(4-morpholinyl);         hereinafter formula (IA).

In one aspect of the present invention R² is not C₁₋₆ alkoxcarbonyl; OCH₂CF₃; N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂; NHC₁₋₆ alkyl; a group C(O)OR⁴, CONR⁵R⁶ or NR⁵COR⁶ where R⁴ is hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl, and R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁵ and R⁶ combine together to form a 5- to 7-membered azacyclic ring optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from nitrogen, sulphur or oxygen; or

-   -   phenyl, naphthyl or heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups         as defined for R¹ above.

In a further aspect of the present invention R² is not OCH₂CF₃; N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂; or NHC₁₋₆ alkyl.

Where n>1, groups R² positioned ortho to one another may optionally be fused together to form a ring.

Alkyl groups, whether alone or as part of another group, may be straight chain or branched. The term ‘halogen’ is used herein to describe, unless otherwise stated, a group selected from fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. Where used herein the term naphthyl is intended, unless otherwise stated, to denote both naphth-1-yl and naphth-2-yl groups.

The term “heteroaryl” is intended to mean an aromatic or a fused bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic ring containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. Suitable examples of such aromatic rings include thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, triazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrimidyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl and pyridyl. Suitable examples of such fused aromatic rings include quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, indolyl, benzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzthiadiazolyl, imidazothiazolyl and the like. Heteroaryl groups, as described above, may be linked to the remainder of the molecule via a carbon atom or, when present, a suitable nitrogen atom.

The term “5- to 7-membered heterocyclic ring ” is intended to mean a non aromatic ring containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. Such rings may be partially unsaturated. Suitable examples of 5- to 7-membered heterocyclic rings include piperidinyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyl, azepanyl, diazepanyl and piperazinyl. A 5- to 7-membered heterocyclic ring, as described above, may be linked to the remainder of the molecule via a carbon atom or a suitable nitrogen atom.

When R³ is a bicyclic heterocyclic ring, representative examples of such groups are:

Preferably m=0, 1, or 2, most preferably 1 or 2.

Preferably n=0, 1, 2 or 3, most preferably 1.

A preferred substituent for rings within the definition of R³, which can be present on carbon and/or nitrogen atoms, is methyl.

Most preferably R³ is an unsubstituted piperazine or N-methyl piperazine attached to the rest of the molecule via a suitable nitrogen atom. Also most preferably, R³ represents 1,4-diazepanyl linked to the indole moiety via a nitrogen atom optionally substituted by a methyl group. Particularly preferred compounds of formula (I) are those wherein R³ is a piperazinyl or a 1,4-diazepanyl group linked to the indole moiety via a nitrogen atom, both of which may be optionally substituted with a single methyl group. Especially preferred compounds of formula (I) are those wherein R³ is an unsubstituted piperazinyl group linked to the indole moiety via a nitrogen atom.

When m is other than 0, R¹ is preferably halogen (particularly fluorine, chlorine or bromine), a C₁₋₆alkyl group (particularly methyl), CF₃, cyano or C₁₋₆alkoxy group particularly methoxy). Most preferably, R¹ is chlorine, bromine, fluorine, cyano, methyl or methoxy. When m is 2, 3 or 4 the groups R¹ may be the same or different. For the avoidance of doubt, the groups R¹ can be substituted at any suitable carbon atom within the indole ring. A particularly preferred R¹ group is chloro in the 5-position of the indole ring. Especially preferred are compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ represents 5-chloro, 7-chloro or 5,7-dichloro, most especially 5-chloro or 5,7-dichloro.

Preferably, P represents phenyl, naphthyl, benzothiophenyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, benzthiadiazolyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzofuranyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, dibenzofuranyl, isoquinolinyl or imidazothiazolyl. Most preferably, P represents phenyl, pyridyl or pyrazolyl, especially phenyl.

When n is other than 0, R² is preferably halogen particularly chlorine or bromine), a C₁₋₆alkyl group (particularly methyl), CF₃, cyano, C₁₋₆alkoxy group particularly methoxy) or heteroaryl. Also preferably, R² represents fluorine, iodine, ethyl, propyl, butyl, C(CH₃)₃, OCF₃, NR⁵COR⁶ (particularly NHCOCH₃), NO₂, COOR⁴ (particularly COOH and COOCH₃), C₁₋₆ alkanoyl particularly COCH₃), heterearyl (particularly pyridyl and oxazolyl), O(CH₂)₃CH₃, phenyl, N(CH₃)₂ or OCH₂CF₃. Most preferably, R² is chlorine, bromine, methyl, OCF₃ or cyano, especially chlorine. When n is 2, 3 , 4 or 5 the groups R² may be the same or different. R² is most preferably in the 3 position.

Preferred compounds according to the invention include examples E1-E175 as shown below or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

More preferred compounds according to the invention include:

-   -   5-Chloro-1-(naphthalene-2-sulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole         trifluoroacetic acid salt (E77);     -   5-Chloro-1-(3,5-dichloro-2-methoxy         benzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole trifluoroacetic acid         salt (E78);     -   5-Methoxy-4-(piperazin-1-yl)-1-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)-1H-indole         (E80);     -   5-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole         hydrochloride (E132);     -   5-Chloro-1-(pyridine-2-sulfonyl)-4piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole         hydrochloride (E149);     -   7-Chloro-1-(3,5-dichlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole         hydrochloride (E153);     -   1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-5,7-dichloro-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole         hydrochloride (E159);     -   1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-7-methoxy-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole         hydrochloride (E173); and     -   7-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl-1H-indole         hydrochloride (E175)     -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The compounds of formula (I) can form acid addition salts thereof. It will be appreciated that for use in medicine the salts of the compounds of formula (I) should be pharmaceutically acceptable. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts will be apparent to those skilled in the art and include those described in J. Pharm. Sci., 1977, 66, 1-19, such as acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids e.g. hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, nitric or phosphoric acid; and organic acids e.g. succinic, maleic, acetic, fumaric, citric, tartaric, benzoic, p-toluenesulfonic, methanesulfonic, trifluoroacetic or naphthalenesulfonic acid. The present invention includes within its scope all possible stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric forms.

The compounds of formula (I) may be prepared in crystalline or noncrystalline form, and, if crystalline, may optionally be hydrated or solvated. This invention includes within its scope stoichiometric solvates eg. hydrates as well as compounds containing variable amounts of solvent eg. water.

Certain compounds of formula (I) are capable of existing in stereoisomeric forms (e.g. diastereomers and enantiomers) and the invention extends to each of these stereoisomeric forms and to mixtures thereof including racemates. The different stereoisomeric forms may be separated one from the other by the usual methods, or any given isomer may be obtained by stereospecific or asymmetric synthesis. The invention also extends to any tautomeric forms and mixtures thereof.

The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (IA) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which process comprises

-   -   (a) the coupling of a compound of formula (II):         in which R¹, R³ and m are as defined in formula (I) or protected         derivatives thereof with a compound of formula (III):         in which P, R² and n are as defined in formula (I) or a         protected derivative thereof and L is a leaving group and         optionally thereafter:     -   removing any protecting groups,     -   forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

The present invention also provides further process for the preparation of a compound of formula (IA) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which process comprises:

-   -   (b) preparing a compound of formula (IA) wherein R³ represents         an optionally substituted piperazinyl or 1,4-diazepanyl group         linked to the indole moiety via a nitrogen atom which comprises         reacting a compound of formula (IV)         wherein R¹, R², P, m and n are as defined in formula (IA) or a         protected derivative thereof, and L² represents a suitable         leaving group (eg. a halogen atom such as bromine or a         trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy or nonafluorobutylsulfonyloxy group),         with a compound of R^(3′)—H, wherein R^(3′) represents an         optionally protected and/or substituted piperazinyl or         1,4-diazepanyl group, and optionally thereafter:     -   removing any protecting groups,     -   forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt; or     -   (c) deprotecting a compound of formula (IA) which is protected;         or     -   (d) interconversion of a compound of formula (IA) to other         compounds of formula (IA).

In process (a), suitable leaving groups include halogen, in particular chloro. The reaction of compounds of formulae (II) and (III) may be carried out by mixing the two reagents together, optionally under phase-transfer conditions, in a mixture of an inert organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran with an aqueous base such as sodium hydroxide with the addition of a suitable phase-transfer catalyst such as tetrabutylammonium hydroxide. Alternatively in this case, the reaction of compounds of formulae (II) and (III) may be carried out by treating a compound of formula (II) with a suitable base such as sodium hydride, sodium hexamethyldisilazane (NaHMDS) or a suitable strong organic base such as DBU or BEMP in an inert solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or N,N-dimethylformamide to form the anion of (II) and then treating this with a compound of formula (III) in an inert solvent.

Process (b) typically comprises the use of a suitable base such as cesium carbonate, a suitable salt such as palladium salt (eg. palladium acetate), a suitable ligand such as BINAP and a suitable solvent such as 1,4-dioxan.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it may be necessary to protect certain reactive substituents during some of the above procedures.

In process (c), standard protection and deprotection techniques, such as those described in Greene T. W. ‘Protective groups in organic synthesis’, New York, Wiley (1981), can be used. For example, primary amines can be protected as phthalimide, benzyl, benzyloxycarbonyl or trityl derivatives. Carboxylic acid groups can be protected as esters. Aldehyde or ketone groups can be protected as acetals, ketals, thioacetals or thioketals. Deprotection of such groups is achieved using conventional procedures well known in the art.

Process (d) may be performed using conventional interconversion procedures such as epimerisation, oxidation, reduction, alkylation, nucleophilic or electrophilic aromatic substitution, ester hydrolysis or amide bond formation. For example, interconversion of the groups R¹ and R² or interconversion of one salt of formula (I) to another salt of formula (I), eg. preparing the hydrochloric acid salt from the trifluoroacetic acid salt by treating with excess hydrochloric acid followed by evaporation.

Compounds of formulae (II) and (III) are commercially available, may be prepared using procedures described herein or by analogous methods thereto or according to known methods.

For example, compounds of formula (II) may be prepared from the corresponding protected indole having a leaving group in the 4-position (eg. a halogen atom such as bromine or a trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy or nonafluorobutylsulfonyloxy group) by reaction with a compound of formula R^(3′)—H where R^(3′) represents an N containing heterocycle such as optionally substituted or protected piperazinyl or 1,4-diazepanyl.

Compounds of formula (IV) may be prepared by analogous methods to those described for process (a) above.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be prepared conventionally by reaction with the appropriate acid or acid derivative.

Compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts have 5-HT₆ receptor activity and are believed to be of potential use in the treatment of certain CNS disorders such as anxiety, depression, epilepsy, obsessive compulsive disorders, migraine, cognitive memory disorders (e.g. Alzheimers disease, age related cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment), Parkinsons Disease, ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity Syndrome), sleep disorders (including disturbances of Circadian rhythm), feeding disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, panic attacks, withdrawal from drug abuse such as cocaine, ethanol, nicotine and benzodiazepines, schizophrenia, and also disorders associated with spinal trauma and/or head injury such as hydrocephalus. Compounds of the invention are also expected to be of use in the treatment of certain GI (gastrointestinal) disorders such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Thus the invention also provides a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a therapeutic substance, in particular in the treatment or prophylaxis of the above disorders. In particular the invention provides for a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of depression, anxiety and cognitive memory disorders. Also in particular the invention provides for a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of Alzheimers disease, age related cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, ADHD and schizophrenia.

The invention further provides a method of treatment or prophylaxis of the above disorders, in mammals including humans, which comprises administering to the sufferer a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, the invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of the above disorders.

In order to use the compounds of formula (I) in therapy, they will normally be formulated into a pharmaceutical composition in accordance with standard pharmaceutical practice.

A pharmaceutical composition of the invention, which may be prepared by admixture, suitably at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, is usually adapted for oral, parenteral or rectal administration and, as such, may be in the form of tablets, capsules, oral liquid preparations, powders, granules, lozenges, reconstitutable powders, injectable or infusable solutions or suspensions or suppositories. Orally administrable compositions are generally preferred.

Tablets and capsules for oral administration may be in unit dose form, and may contain conventional excipients, such as binding agents, fillers, tabletting lubricants, disintegrants and acceptable wetting agents. The tablets may be coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice.

Oral liquid preparations may be in the form of, for example, aqueous or oily suspension, solutions, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, or may be in the form of a dry product for reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, emulsifying agents, non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), preservatives, and, if desired, conventional flavourings or colourants.

For parenteral administration, fluid unit dosage forms are prepared utilising a compound of the invention or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a sterile vehicle. The compound, depending on the vehicle and concentration used, can be either suspended or dissolved in the vehicle. In preparing solutions, the compound can be dissolved for injection and filter sterilised before filling into a suitable vial or ampoule and sealing. Advantageously, adjuvants such as a local anaesthetic, preservatives and buffering agents are dissolved in the vehicle. To enhance the stability, the composition can be frozen after filling into the vial and the water removed under vacuum. Parenteral suspensions are prepared in substantially the same manner, except that the compound is suspended in the vehicle instead of being dissolved, and sterilization cannot be accomplished by filtration. The compound can be sterilised by exposure to ethylene oxide before suspension in a sterile vehicle. Advantageously, a surfactant or wetting agent is included in the composition to facilitate uniform distribution of the compound.

The composition may contain from 0.1% to 99% by weight, preferably from 10 to 60% by weight, of the active material, depending on the method of administration.

The dose of the compound used in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders will vary in the usual way with the seriousness of the disorders, the weight of the sufferer, and other similar factors. However, as a general guide suitable unit doses may be 0.05 to 1000 mg, more suitably 0.05 to 20.0 mg, for example 0.2 to 5 mg; and such unit doses may be administered more than once a day, for example two or three times a day, so that the total daily dosage is in the range of about 0.5 to 100 mg; and such therapy may extend for a number of weeks or months.

All publications, including but not limited to patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein as though fully set forth.

The following Descriptions and Examples illustrate the preparation of compounds of the invention.

Description 1

4-(4-Methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-1H-indole (D1)

4-Aminoindole (5.0 g, 37.8 mmol) was dissolved in n-butanol (100 ml) followed by addition of sodium carbonate (16.0 g, 0.15 mol) and methchlorethamine hydrochloride (8.73 g, 45.4 mmol). The resulting suspension was stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The solvent was then removed in vacuo, the residue taken up in dichloromethane (200 ml) and washed with saturated sodium hydrogencarbonate solution (2×100 ml). The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄), filtered and solvent evaporated. The crude was purified by column chromatography on silica, eluting with a methanol/dichloromethane gradient to afford the title compound (D1) (4.82 g, 59%), δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 2.40 (3H, s), 2.69 (4H, br s), 3.29 (4H, br s), 6.55 (1H, t, J=4.0 Hz), 6.60 (1H, d, J=7.2 Hz), 7.05 (1H, d, J=8.6 Hz), 7.10 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 7.14 (1H, t, J=3.2 Hz). MS: m/z (MH⁺) 216.

Description 2

4-(4-Benzyl-piperazin-1-yl)-1-(5-chloro-3-methyl-benzo[b]thiophene-2-sulfonyl-1H-indole (D2)

A 40 wt % aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (0.015 ml, 0.022 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of 4-(4-benzyl-piperazin-1-yl)-1H-indole (for synthesis see: Mewshaw et al. Bioorg. Med. Chem Lett. 1998, 19 (8), 2675-2680) (102 mg, 0.35 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (1 ml) at ambient temperature. To this vigorously stirred solution was added a 50 wt % solution of sodium hydroxide (1 ml) in one portion followed, after a 5 minute period, by a solution of 5-chloro-3-methyl-benzo[b]thiophene-2-sulfonyl chloride (98 mg, 0.35 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (0.5 ml) over 10 minutes. The mixture was stirred vigorously for 3 hours at ambient temperature, then diluted with ethyl acetate (15 ml). The mixture was washed with water (2×15 ml) and the organic layer was separated, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with an acetone/toluene gradient to afford the title compound (D2) (82 mg, 44%) as a foam. MS: m/z (MH⁺) 536/538.

Description 3

Preparation of 4-nitrophenylchloroformyl Bound to Wang Resin (D3)

Polystyrene Wang resin (1.95 g, 1.7 mmol/g; bead size 150-300 microns) was suspended in DCM (50 ml) and cooled to 0° C. in an ice bath. N-Methylmorpholine (1.1 ml, 9.93 mmol) was added, followed by 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (2 g, 9.93 mmol) in portions with manual mixing. The mixture was brought to room temperature and shaken for 24 hours under argon. The title resin (D3) was filtered and washed with DCM (100 ml×5) then dried in-vacuo and used in Description 4.

Description 4

Preparation of 1-(4-indolyl)piperazin-4-yl Bound to Wang Resin (D4)

The product from Description 3 (assumed 3.31 mmol) was shaken with DMF (40 ml) for 30 seconds before 4-piperazin-1-yl indole (1.33 g, 6.62 mmol) was added in DMF (10 ml) and the mixture was shaken for 48 hours. The resin was then filtered and washed with DMF (100 ml×4) and these washings kept to retrieve the excess amine. The resin was then further washed with DMF (100 ml×2), DCM (100 ml×5), DCM/MeOH (1:1, 100 ml×2), MeOH (100 ml×2), diethyl ether (100 ml×2) to give the title resin (D4) which was dried in-vacuo and used in Description 5.

Description 5

General Procedure for Sulfonation of 1-(4-indolyl)piperazine-4-yl Bound Wang Resin (D5)

The general coupling procedure was performed by automation on a Myriad Core robotic system. All operations were performed by automation unless stated otherwise.

The resin from Description 4 (80 mg, assumed 0.14 mmol) was weighed into 2 ml Myriad reaction vessels. THF (1 ml) was added and the reactions flushed with argon. Potassium tert-butoxide (0.21 ml of 1M solution in THF, 0.21 mmol) in THF (0.7 ml) was added and the mixture was agitated at room temperature for 30 minutes. To each vessel was manually added the appropriate sulfonyl chloride (0.28 mmol) in THF (0.5 ml)(the sulfonyl chlorides used correspond to RSO₂Cl as shown in Table 1) and the mixtures were agitated for 5 hours under argon at room temperature. The resin products were manually filtered and washed successively with DMF/water (9:1, 2 ml×2), THF (2 m×3), DCM (2 ml×3), DCM/MeOH (1:1, 2 ml×3), MeOH (2 ml×3), DCM (2 ml×3), diethyl ether (2 ml×3) to afford the individual resin-bound 1-sulfonyl indoles (D5).

Description 6

4-(5-Chloro-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D6)

To a stirred solution of 4-(1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (for synthesis see: WO 9967237 (1999)) (0.12 g, 0.4 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (5 ml) was added N-chlorosuccinimide (53 mg, 0.4 mmol). After stirring for 30 minutes a mixture of water/ethanol (2 ml, 1:1 v/v) was added and the resulting solution concentrated in vacuo. DCM (20 ml) was added and the organic phase washed with brine (10 ml), dried (MgSO₄) and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with DCM to afford the title compound (D6) (75 mg, 56%), δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.51 (9H, s), 3.32 (4H, br s), 3.62 (4H, br s), 6.69 (1H, t, J=2.4 Hz), 7.07 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.16-7.18 (2H, m), 8.20 (1H, br s). MS: m/z (M−H)⁻ 334/336.

Description 7

4-[5-Chloro-1-(3-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D7)

To a stirred suspension of sodium hydride (11 mg, 0.3 mmol, 60% suspension in oil) in DMF (2 ml) was added dropwise 4-(5-chloro-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D6) (75 mg, 0.2 mmol) as a solution in DMF (1 ml). After stirring for 20 minutes, a solution of 3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (70 mg, 0.3 mmol) in DMF (1 ml) was added dropwise and the resulting mixture left to stir for 15 hours. The reaction mixture was then diluted with DCM (20 ml) and washed with water (2×10 ml), brine (10 ml), dried NgSO₄) and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with DCM to afford the title compound (D7) (88 mg, 77%), δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.49 (9H, s), 3.20 (4H, br s), 3.56 (4H, br s), 6.84 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.30 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.40 (1H, t, J=7.9 Hz), 7.49-7.56 (2H, m), 7.65 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.70-7.76 (1H, m), 7.84 (1H, t, J=1.9 Hz). MS: m/z (M−H)⁻ 508/510.

Description 8

5-Methoxy-4-nitro-1-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)-1H-indole (D8)

To a solution of 5-methoxy-1-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)-1H-indole (for synthesis see: Zheng et al. Heterocycles 1994, 37 (3), 1761-1772) (2.0 g, 6.6 mmol) in DCM (20 ml) was added silica gel impregnated with nitric acid (see: Thummel et al. J. Org. Chem. 1993, 58 (7), 1668) (4.0 g) and the suspension stirred for 5 hours. The silica gel was then filtered off and washed with DCM (20 ml). The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with DCM to afford the title compound (D8) (1.72 g, 75%), δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 2.36 (3H, s), 3.97 (3H, s), 6.92 (H, d, J=3.8 Hz). 7.07 (1H, d, J=9.2 Hz), 7.25 (2H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.67 (1H, d, J=4.0 Hz), 7.73 (2H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 8.11 (1H, d, J=9.0 Hz). MS: m/z (MH⁺) 317.

Description 9

5-Methoxy-1-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)-1-indol-4-ylamine (D9)

5-Methoxy-4-nitro-1-toluenesulfonyl)-1H-indole (D8) (1.0 g, 2.9 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (50 ml) followed by addition of 10% palladium on carbon (0.2 g,). The resulting mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 15 hours followed by filtration (Celite) and in vacuo removal of solvent. This provided the title compound (D9) (0.7 g, 77%), δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 2.33 (3H, s), 3.85 (3H, s), 3.95 (2H, br s), 6.54 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 6.87 (1H, d, J=9.0 Hz), 7.19 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 7.34 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.43 (1H, d, J=4.0 Hz), 7.72 (2H, d, J=8.0 Hz). MS: m/z (MH⁺) 317.

Description 10

2-Chloro-3,5-difluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (D10)

A solution of sodium nitrite (0.44 g, 3.2 mmol) in water (2 ml) was added over 0.25 hours to a stirred, ice-cooled solution of 2-chloro-3,5-difluoroaniline (0.52 g, 3.2 mmol) in concentrated hydrochloric acid (7 ml). After stirring at this temperature for 20 minutes, the mixture was added in portions to a stirred mixture of copper (1) chloride (90 mg, 0.1 mmol) in a solution of glacial acetic acid saturated with sulfur dioxide gas. After the addition was complete, the mixture was extracted with DCM (2×30 ml) and the combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to give the title compound (0.38 g, 48%) (D10) as a crude oil which was used (see Example 131) without further purification.

Description 11

2,3,5-Trichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (D11)

The title compound (D11) was prepared from 2,3,5-trichloroaniline (for preparation see Recl. Trav. Chimi. Pays-Bas, 1931, 50, 112) by the method described in Description 10. The crude material was used in the next stage (see Example 130).

Description 12

4-[1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D12)

A 1M solution of potassium tert-butoxide (60 ml, 60 mmol) was added over 15 minutes to a stirred solution of 4-(1H-indolyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid-tert-butyl ester (see WO 9967237 (1999) for preparation] (17.2 g, 57.1 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (400 ml) at 8° C. under argon. The resulting solution was allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 30 minutes and then recooled to 8° C. To this cooled solution was then added a solution of 3chlorobenzene sulfonyl chloride (12.5 g, 59.2 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (100 ml) over 30 minutes. The solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 h under argon. After concentrating the reaction mixture to one third of the volume, ethyl acetate (700 ml) was added and the solution was washed with water (700 ml) and brine (700 ml). The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue which was stirred with diethyl ether (150 ml) to afford the title compound (D12) as a cream solid (22.1 g, 46.4 mmol, 81%), δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.48 (9H, s), 3.07 (4H, m), 3.61 (4H, m), 6.70-6.74 (2H, m), 7.23-7.27 (1H, m), 7.37 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.49-7.52 (2H, m), 7.64 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.79 (1H, dd, J=1.6, 8.0 Hz), 7.85 (1H, d, J=1.8 Hz).

Description 13

4-[5-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D13)

N-Chlorosuccinimide (7.1 g, 53.2 mmol) was added portionwise over 0.75 h to a stirred solution of 4-[1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D12) (22.0 g, 46.2 mmol) in glacial acetic acid (500 ml) at 28° C. under argon. After stirring the solution at ambient temperature for 2 days, dichloromethane (1.2 l) was added and the solution washed successively with water (1 l), 10% sodium thiosulfate solution (1.2 l), 5 M sodiun hydroxide solution (2×1 l) and brine (1 l). The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to a foam residue. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with dichloromethane/hexane (4:1) followed by a gradient of dichloromethane/ethyl acetate to afford the title compound (D13) (17.9 g, 35.1 mmol, 76%), δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.50 (9H, s), 3.2 (4H, br, s), 3.6 (4H, br, s), 6.84 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz) 7.30 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.40 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.50-7.54 (2H, m), 7.65 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.73 (1H, dd, J=2.6, 8.0 Hz), 7.84 (1H, d, J=3.8Hz).

Description 14

4-(5-Chloro-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D14)

To a stirred solution of 4-(1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (for synthesis see: WO 9967237 (1999)) (6.9 g, 23 mmol) in dry 1,4-dioxane (100 ml) and water (0.041 ml) at 10° C. was added N-chlorosuccinimide (3.7 g, 28 mmol). The mixture was stirred in a water bath for 1.5 h during which time the temperature rose to 18° C. Saturated aqueous sodium thiosulfate (15 ml) and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (15 ml) were added. The resultant mixture was stirred vigorously for 10 min and then partitioned between tert-butyl methyl ether and brine. The organic layer was collected, concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with a dichloromethane/tert-butyl methyl ether gradient to afford the title compound (D14) (5.5 g, 71%) which was identical to the material described in D6 as judged by comparison of the proton NMR spectra.

Description 15

4-(7-Chloro-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester and 4-(3-chloro-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester mixture (ca. 9:1) (D15)

From the chromatographic purification for D14 was isolated (eluting after D14) a mixture of the title compounds (D15) (1.2 g, 16%), δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.50 (9H, s), 3.05-3.20 (4H, m), 3.62-3.70 (4H, m), 6.49-6.70 (2H, m), 7.04-7.23 (2H, m), 8.18 (0.1H, br s), 8.42 (0.9H, br s). MS: m/z (M−H)⁻ 334.

Description 16

4-[3-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D16)

The mixture obtained from D15 (0.18 g) was converted to the sulfonamide as described for E75-E78. Column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with a dichloromethane/tert-butyl methyl ether gradient afforded the title compound (D16) (0.031 g) as a colourless, slowly solidifying oil. δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.48 (9H, s), 2.99 (4H, br s), 3.50-3.75 (4H, m), 6.85 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.28 (1H, t, J=8.1 Hz), 7.40 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.49-7.55 (2H, m), 7.70 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.75 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.86 (1H, t, J=0.9 Hz).

Description 17

4-[7-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D17)

From the chromatographic purification for D16 was isolated (eluting after D16) the title compound (D17) (0.059 g) as a colourless foam. δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.49 (9H, s), 3.03-3.09 (4H, m), 3.61-3.67 (4H, m), 6.68 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 6.77 (1H, d, J=4.0 Hz), 7.14 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.43 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.53-7.56 (1H, m), 7.69-7.72 (1H, m), 7.80 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz), 7.84 (1H, d, J=3.6 Hz).

Description 18

4-(7-Bromo-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D18)

To a stirred solution of 4-(1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (for synthesis see: WO 9967237 (1999)) (2.6 g, 8.5 mmol) in dry 1,4-dioxane (35 ml) and water (0.015 ml) at 10° C. was added N-bromosuccinimide (1.8 g, 10 mmol). The mixture was allowed to warm to 25° C. over 1 h with stirring. Saturated aqueous sodium thiosulfate (5 ml) and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (5 ml) were added. The resultant mixture was stirred vigorously for 5 min and then partitioned between tert-butyl methyl ether and half saturated brine. The organic layer was collected, concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with a petroleum ether (40-60)/dichloromethane/tert-butyl methyl ether gradient to afford the title compound (D18) (1.2 g, 37%) as an off-white foam. δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.50 (9H, s), 3.12-3.20 (4H, m), 3.63-3.69 (4H, m), 6.48 (1H, d, J=8.2 H), 6.62 (1H, dd, J=3.0, 2.5 Hz), 7.21-7.29 (2H, m), 8.36 (1H, br s). MS: m/z (M−H)⁻ 378.

Description 19

4-[7-Bromo-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D19)

To a stirred suspension of sodium hydride (67 mg, 60% suspension in oil) in dry THF (8 ml) was added dropwise 4-(7-bromo-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D18) (0.32 g, 0.84 mmol) followed by 3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.24 ml). The mixture was sonicated for 25 min followed by the addition of dry DMF (5 ml), sodium hydride (34 mg, 60% suspension in oil) and 3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.12 ml). After 5 h more sodium hydride (67 mg, 60% suspension in oil) and 3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.24 ml) were added. After an additional 15 h the mixture was partitioned between tert-butyl methyl ether and aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer was washed with water and brine, concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with a petroleum ether (40-60)/dichloromethane/tert-butyl methyl ether gradient to afford the title compound D19) (0.14 g) as a slightly purple film. δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.49 (9H, s), 3.02-3.09 (4H, m), 3.62-3.69 (4H, m), 6.63 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 6.77 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.36 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.42 (1H, t, J=7.9 Hz), 7.56 (1H, dt, J=7.2, 1.1 Hz), 7.69 (1H, dt, J=6.7, 0.7 Hz), 7.79 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz), 7.83 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz).

Description 20

4-[7-Cyano-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indolyl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D20)

A mixture of 4-[7-bromo-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indolyl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D19) (0.13 g, 0.23 mmol), copper(I) cyanide (42 mg) and dry DMF (3 ml) was heated at reflux for 4 h. The volatiles were then evaporated in vacuo and to the residue were added water and saturated aqueous ammonia. The resultant mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and tert-butyl methyl ether (2:1). The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with a mixture of petroleum ether (40-60), dichloromethane and tert-butyl methyl ether to afford the title compound (D20) (0.063 g) as a colourless solid. δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.49 (9H, s), 3.18-3.24 (4H, m), 3.63-3.68 (4H, m), 6.74 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 6.77 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.49 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.56-7.61 (2H, m), 7.79 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.92 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz), 8.02 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 1.1 Hz) . MS: m/z (M-CO₂—C₄H₈+H)⁺ 401.

Description 21

Nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonic acid-[5-chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indole4-yl] ester (D21)

1,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-4H-indol-4-one (7.6 g, 56 mmol) was added to a suspension of sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil, 2.5 g, 62 mmol) in dry DMF (150 ml), with cooling on an ice bath. This suspension was stirred for 20 minutes before adding 3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (13 g, 62 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under argon for 16 h. Tert-butyl methyl ether and diethyl ether (ca. 1:1, 500 ml) was added to the reaction mixture, which was then washed twice with water. The aqueous layer was extracted with diethyl ether and the combined ether extracts washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated to give a beige solid: 1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4H-indol-4-one (16.9 g); δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 2.13 (2H, m), 2.45 (2H, m), 2.99 (2H, m), 6.66 (1H, d, J=3.5 Hz), 7.24 (1H, d, J=3.5 Hz), 7.53 (1H, m), 7.65 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.74 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz), 7.86 (1H, s).

This material (16.9 g, 55 mmol) was processed as described [Heterocycles 1985, 23(1), 1691 by heating with copper (II) chloride (36.5 g, 273 mmol) in 50% aqueous acetic acid (700 ml) for 2 h. Additional copper(II) chloride (36.5 g) was added and the reaction mixture heated for a further 16 h. After cooling, the mixture was poured into water and DCM, the aqueous layer extracted three times with DCM and the combined DCM extracts washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give a brown oil which was purified by column chromatography to give the desired 5,5-dichloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4H-indol-4-one. This material (10.4 g, 28 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (600 ml). Lithium chloride (1.22 g, 29 mmol) and lithium carbonate (2.13 g, 29 mmol) were added and the mixture heated at 150° C. for 1 h, then concentrated in vacuo, The residue was poured into saturated aqueous ammonium chloride (800 ml) and extracted three times with DCM. The combined DCM layers were washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. Purification by column chromatography yielded the desired product 5-chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl-1H-indol-4-ol. This material (4.2 g, 12 mmol) was dissolved in THF (60 ml) and nonafluorobutyl-1-sulfonyl fluoride (4.5 g, 15 mmol) was added. Sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil, 0.50 g, 13 mmol) was added portionwise and the reaction mixture stirred under argon for 64 h. Ether (150 ml) and water (150 ml) were added, layers separated and the aqueous layer extracted with ether. The combined ether extracts were washed with brine, dried MgSO₄) and evaporated to give a brown oil. This was purified using column chromatography to give the title compound (D21) (2.78 g) as a white solid; δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 6.81 (1H, dd, J=3.8, 0.6 Hz), 7.45 (2H, m), 7.57 (1H, ddd, J=1.1, 2.0, 7.9 Hz), 7.65 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.76 (1H, ddd, J=1.1, 1.8, 7.9 Hz), 7.88 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz), 7.97 (1H, dd, J=0.8 Hz, 8.8 Hz).

Description 22

4-[1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-cyano-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D22)

To a stirred solution of 4-[1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indolyl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D12) (350 mg, 0.74 mmol) in acetonitrile (6 ml) at 0° C. was added dropwise a solution of chlorosulfonylisocyanate (65 μl, 0.74 mmol) in acetonitrile (1 ml). After stirring for 1 h at this temperature, a solution of triethylamine (0.11 ml, 0.74 mmol) in acetonitrile (1 ml) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo and dissolved in chloroform. The organic phase was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated in vacuo. Purification by column chromatography provided the title compound as a white solid (85 mg); δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.49 (9H, s), 3.43 (4H, t, J=5.1 Hz), 3.63 (4H, t, J=5.1 Hz), 6.83 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.44 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz), 7.46 (1H, d, J=8.6 Hz), 7.56 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 2.0, 1.0 Hz), 7.59 (1H, d, J=4.0 Hz), 7.68 (1H, d, J=8.6 Hz), 7.77 (1H, ddd, J=7.8, 1.8, 1.0 Hz), 7.85 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz); MS: m/z (M-CO₂—C₄H₈+H)⁺ 401.

Description 23

4-[1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-2-methyl-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D23)

A solution of 4-[1-3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indolyl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D12) (500 mg, 1.10 mmol) in THF (10 ml) was cooled to −78 ° C. followed by dropwise addition of a solution of t-BuLi in hexanes (0.74 ml, 1.3 mmol). The resulting mixture was allowed to stir at this temperature for 40 min followed by dropwise addition of iodomethane (0.70 ml, 11 mmol) in THF (5 ml). The reaction mixture was then allowed to stir and warm to room temperature overnight. Water was carefully added and the mixture extracted with diethyl ether. The extracts were dried and concentrated in vacuo followed by purification by preparative HPLC (details see E2-E73) to afford the title compound as a clear paste (20 mg); δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.49 (9H, s), 2.60 (3H, s), 3.14 (4H, t, J=4.8 Hz), 3.67 (4H, t, J=4.8 Hz), 6.74-6.77 (2H, m), 7.17 (1H, t, J=8.2 Hz), 7.23 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.36 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.56 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.62-7.65 (2H, m); MS: m/z (M-CO₂—C₄H₈+H)⁺ 390.

Description 24

4-Amino-6-chloro-1H-indole (D24)

4-Chloro-2,6-dinitrotoluene (3.7 g, 17 mmol) (preparation see Helv. Chim. Acta 1936, 19, 438.) was heated at 110° C. with N,N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (6.8 ml) in DMF (20 ml) in a flask equipped with a reflux condenser for 6 h. Volatiles were evaporated in vacuo, the residue dissolved in toluene and again volatiles evaporated in vacuo to yield a deep red solid (4.6 g). A portion of this material (3.0 g) was dissolved in acetic acid. Titanium trichloride solution (14.5-15.5% in 10% aqueous hydrochloric acid, 141 ml) was added with stirring. After 7 min the mixture was poured onto ice with stirring. Sodium hydroxide (40% aqueous, 120 ml) followed by concentrated aqueous ammonia (120 ml) was carefully added with cooling in an ice bath. Isopropanol and DCM (1:3) were added, the resultant dark blue slurry filtered and the remaining solid washed well with 10% isopropanol in DCM. Combined filtrate and washings were concentrated in vacuo to yield the title compound (D24) (1.6 g, 9.6 mmol) as a brown oil. δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 6.22 (1H, d, J=1.7 Hz), 6.37 (1H, dd, J=3.3, 0.9 Hz), 6.66 (1H, dd, J=1.7, 0.9 Hz), 6.97 (1H, d, J=3.3 Hz); MS: m/z (M−H)⁻ 165.

Description 25

4-(6-Chloro-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D25)

4-Amino-6-chloro-1H-indole (D24) (2.1 g) was converted to crude 6-chloro-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1H-indole using the procedure from D1. Without purification the black oil thus obtained (5.3 g) was converted to crude 6-chloro-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole following the procedure given for E1. Without purification the product from this reaction was dissolved in 1,4-dioxane (45 ml). Saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (23 ml) and di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (5.5 g) were added. After vigorously stirring for 3 h the mixture was partitioned between brine and tert-butyl methyl ether. The organic layer was collected, concentrated and treated with MeOH (30 ml) and 40% aqueous sodium hydroxide (10 ml) for 2 h. This mixture was partitioned between water (200 ml) and tert-butyl methyl ether. The organic layer was washed with water and brine, concentrated in vacuo and submitted to column chromatography on silica gel, eluting with a tert-butyl methyl ether in dichloromethane gradient to afford the title compound (D25) (1.4 g) as an off-white foam. MS: m/z (M−H)⁻ 334.

Description 26

4-[6-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D26)

4-(6-Chloro-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D25) was converted to the sulfonamide as described for E75-E78. Column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with a dichloromethane/tert-butyl methyl ether gradient afforded the title compound (D26) as a colourless oil. δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.48 (9H, s), 3.05-3.22 (4H, m), 3.57-3.63 (4H, m), 6.66 (1H, d, J=3.4 Hz), 6.70 (1H, d, J=1.6 Hz), 7.41 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.49 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.53 (1H, ddd, J=8.0, 1.8, 0.9 Hz), 7.67 (1H, d, J=0.7 Hz), 7.76 (1H, dt, J=7.9, 1.8 Hz), 7.84 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz).

Description 27

4-Chloro-2-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (D27)

The title compound (D27) (yellow oil, 0.74 g) was prepared from 4-chloro-2-trifluoromethoxyaniline (0.82 g) by the method described in Description 10: δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 7.46-7.54 (2H, m), 8.05 (1H, d, J=8.5 Hz).

Description 28

4Bromo-2-cyanobenzenesulfonyl chloride (D28)

The title compound (D28) (peach coloured powder, 0.74 g) was prepared from 4-bromo-2-cyanoaniline (0.97 g) by the method described in Description 10: δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 8.00 (1H, dd, J=8.6, 1.9 Hz), 8.08 (1H, d, J=8.6 Hz), 8.11 (1H, d, J=1.9 Hz).

Description 29

4-(5-Methoxy-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester and 4-(7-methoxy-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester mixture (ca 1:1) (D29)

4-Amino-5-methoxy-1H-indole was prepared by heating at reflux a mixture of 5-methoxy-1-(toluenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-ylamine (0.5 g, 1.6 mmol) and aqueous sodium hydroxide (5 ml, 2N) in methanol (10 ml). After 24 h, the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo. This material (1.0 g) was converted to the mixture of title compounds (D29) (0.16 g brown oil) using the procedure from D25. MS: m/z (M−H)⁻ 330.

Description 30

4-[5-Methoxy-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D30)

4-(5-Methoxy-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester and 4-(7-methoxy-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester mixture (ca. 1:1) (D29) was converted to the respective sulfonamides as described for E75-E78. Column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with a tert-butyl methyl ether in dichlorometaane and petroleum ether (40-60) gradient afforded the title compound (D30) (0.066 g) as a slightly brown oil. MS: mi/z (M-CO₂—C₄H₈+H)⁺ 406.

Description 31

4-[7-Methoxy-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D31)

From the chromatographic purification for D30 was isolated (eluting after D30) the title compound (D31) (0.031 g) as a slightly brown oil. MS: m/z (M-CO₂—C₄H₈+H)⁺ 406.

Description 32

Nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonic acid-(1-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-1H-indole-4-yl) ester (D32)

1H-Indol-4-ol (5.0 g) was dissolved in THF (150 ml) and nonafluorobutyl-1-sulfonyl fluoride (13 g) was added. With cooling in an ice bath sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil, 1.5 g) was added portionwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 3 h. Water was added and the mixture was twice extracted with ether. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give a green oil. This was purified using column chromatography (ethyl acetate in hexane gradient) to give nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonic acid-(1H-indole-4-yl) ester (10 g). This material (4.8 g) was dissolved in DCM (20 ml) and di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (4.2 g) followed portionwise by 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (1.9 g) were added. After 1 h the mixture was washed with aqueous HCl (0.5 M) and brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to give the title compound (D32) (6.2 g) as a white solid; δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.68 (9H, s), 6.68 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.18 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.33 (1H, t, J=8.2 Hz), 7.67 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 8.20 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz).

Description 33

4-(1-tert-Butyloxycarbonyl-1H-indol-4-yl)-[1,4]diazepan-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D33)

The tide compound (D33) (0.79 g yellow oil) was obtained from nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonic acid-(1-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-1H-indole-4-yl) ester (D32) as described for E160; δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.44 and 1.47 (9H, 2 s), 1.65 (9H, s), 1.93-2.11 (2H, m), 3.40-3.73 (8H, m), 6.62 (1H, d, J=3.2 Hz), 6.70 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.17 (1H, t, J=8.1 Hz), 7.51 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.75 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz).

Description 34

4-(1H-Indol-4-yl)-[1,4]diazepan-1-carboxynic acid tert-butyl ester (D34)

4-(1-tert-Butyloxycarbonyl-1H-indol-4-yl)-[1,4]diazepan-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D33) (0.75 g) was heated with methanol (10 ml) and sodium methoxide in methanol (0.5 M, 11 ml) at reflux for 4 h and allowed to cool to 25° C. over 10 h. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo, dissolved in DCM and washed with water and brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound (D34) (0.56 g) as a grey gum; δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.44 and 1.47 (9H, 2 s), 1.97-2.15 (2H, m), 3.43-3.75 (8H, m), 6.52 (1H, dd, J=7.6, 0.6 Hz), 6.59 (1H, br s), 6.95 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 7.05 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.08-7.14 (1H, m), 8.13 (1H, br s).

Description 35

4-[1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-[1,4]diazepan-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D35)

4-(1H-Indol-4-yl)-[1,4]diazepan-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D34) was converted to the sulfonamide as described for E75-E78. Column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with a dichloromethane/hexane gradient afforded the title compound (D35) (0.42 g) as a yellow oil. δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.39 and 1.45 (9H, 2 s), 1.92-2.08 (2H, m), 3.38-3.68 (8H, m), 6.68 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 6.75 (1H, d, J=3.7 Hz), 7.18 (1H, t, J=8.1 Hz), 7.37 (1H, t, J=7.9 Hz), 7.45-7.54 (3H, m), 7.75 (1H, dt, J=7.8, 1.5 Hz), 7.85 (1H, t, 1.9 Hz).

Description 36

4-(1-Triisopropylsilanyl-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D36)

To a suspension of sodium hydride (60%, 73 mg, 1.83 mmol) in THF (5 ml) was slowly added a solution of 4-(1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid-tert-butyl ester [see WO 9967237 (1999) for preparation] (0.5 g, 1.6 mmol) in THF (5 ml) at 0° C. After stirring for 20 min, triisopropylsilyl chloride (39 μL, 1.83 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture allowed to stir at room temperature for 4 h. Diethyl ether (50 ml) was then added and the organic phase washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and solvent removed in vacuo. Column chromatography (DCM) provided the title compound (D36) as a clear oil (0.73 g). δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.14 (18H, d, J=7.5 Hz), 1.50 (9H, s), 1.69 (3H, m), 3.18 (4H, t, J=5.1 Hz), 3.66 (4H, t, J=5.0 Hz), 6.57-6.62 (2H, m), 7.06 (1H, t, J=7.6 Hz), 7.19-7.23 (2H, m).

Description 37

4-(3-Dimethylaminomethyl-1-triisopropylsilanyl-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D37)

A mixture of 4-(1-triisopropylsilanyl-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D36) (0.70 g, 1.53 g) and Eschenmoser's salt (0.28 g, 1.53 mmol) in acetonitrile (20 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 24 h. After addition of DCM (50 ml), the mixture was washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution, water, dried (MgSO₄) and solvent removed in vacuo. Purification by column chromatography (0-10% methanol/DCM) gave the desired compound (D37) as an orange paste (0.62 g). δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.13 (18H, d, J=7.5 Hz), 1.50 (9H, s), 1.70 (3H, m), 2.31 (6H, s), 3.01 (4H, br s), 3.64 (4H, br s), 3.95 (2H, s), 6.78 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz), 7.04 (1H, t, J=8.1 Hz), 7.18(1H, s), 7.25 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz).

Description 38

4-(3-Methyl-1-triisopropylsylanyl-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D38)

To a solution of 4-(3-dimethylaminomethyl-1-triisopropylsilanyl-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D37) (0.50 g, 0.97 mmol) in ethanol (20 ml) was added 10% Pd/C (0.10 g) and the mixture left to stir under an atmosphere of hydrogen gas. After 4 days, the mixture was filtered through Celite, solvent removed in vacuo and the crude material purified on silica (DCM) to give the title compound (D38) as a yellow oil (0.23). δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.10 (18H, d, J=7.5 Hz), 1.49 (9H, s), 1.66 (3H, m), 2.53 (3H, s), 3.02 (4H, br s), 6.69 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz), 6.92 (1H, s), 7.01 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.19 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz).

Description 39

4-(3-Methyl-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D39)

4-(3-Methyl-1-triisopropylsilanyl-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D38) (0.20 g, 0.21 mmol) was combined with tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (0.16 g, 0.25 mmol) in THF (10 ml) and the resulting mixture stirred at room temperature for 8 h. Diethyl ether (50 ml) was added and the organic phase washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution, dried (MgSO₄) and solvent removed in vacuo. Column chromatography (DCM) provided the title compound (D39) as a clear paste (90 mg). δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.50 (9H, s), 2.53 (3H, s), 3.03 (4H, br s), 3.63 (4H, br s), 6.68 (1H, m), 6.90 (1H, s), 7.07 (2H, m), 7.95 (1H, br s).

Description 40

4-[1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-3methyl-1H-indol-4yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D40)

To a suspension of potassium tert-butoxide (43 mg, 0.38 mmol) in THF (2 ml) was added dropwise a solution of 4-(3-methyl-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D39) (80 mg, 0.25 mmol) in THF (2 ml). After stirring for 20 min at room temperature, a THF (1 ml) solution of 3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (80 mg, 0.38 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 24 h. Diethyl ether (20 ml) was added and the organic phase washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and solvent removed in vacuo. Purification on silica (DCM) led to the desired compound (D40) as a clear paste (48 mg). δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.48 (9H, s), 2.47 (3H, s), 2.92 (4H, br s), 3.60 (4H, br s), 6.88 (1H, d, J=7.5 Hz), 7.23 (2H, m), 7.36 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.48 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 7.72 (2H, m), 7.84 (1H, s).

EXAMPLE 1 1-(5-Chloro-3methyl-benzo[b]thiophene-2-sulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole Oxalate (E1)

To a solution of 4-(4-benzyl-piperazin-1-yl)-1-(5-chloro-3-methyl-benzo[b]thiophene-2-sulfonyl)-1H-indole (D2) (93 mg, 0.17 mmol) in dry 1,2-dichloroethane (5 ml) was added N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.16 ml, 0.9 mmol) and 1-chloroethyl chloroformate (0.09 ml, 0.9 mmol). The solution was stirred at 80° C. under argon for 50 minutes then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was redissolved in methanol (10 ml) and the solution was refluxed for 1.3 hours under argon. After concentrating the mixture in vacuo, the residue was redissolved in DCM (15 ml) and the solution was washed with 10% potassium carbonate solution (15 ml) then water (2×15 ml). The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to a residue which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with a methanol/DCM gradient to afford the free base (55 mg) of the title compound (E1). Treatment of a solution of the free base (55 mg) in DCM (1 ml) with a solution of oxalic acid (1.5 equivalents) in methanol/diethyl ether gave the corresponding oxalate salt (E1) (63mg, 69%), δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 2.64 (3H, s), 3.29-3.45 (8H, m), 6.85-6.89 (2H, m), 7.28 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.48 (1H, dd, J=2.0, 8.7 Hz), 7.71-7.74 (2H, m), 7.83-7.92 (2H, m); MH⁺ 446/448.

EXAMPLES 2-73 General Procedure for the Preparation of 1-Sulfonyl Indoles (E2-E73) by Cleavage from Resin

Each resin-bound 1-sulfonyl indole from Description 5 (assumed 0.14 mmol) was treated with DCM/trifluoroacetic acid (4:1, 1 ml) and agitated for 1 hour. The individual resin suspensions were then filtered into vials and washed with DCM (1 ml). The filtrates and washings for each resin were combined and evaporated in vacuo to give the title 1-sulfonyl indoles (E2-E73) as trifluoroacetic acid salts. Fifteen of the compounds (E4, E13, E15, E17, E27, E28, E34, E50, E56, E67, E69, E70, E71, E72, E73) required further purification, which was performed on the Biotage Flex preparative HPLC (25 cm×21.2 mm×12 μl reverse phase eluted with acetonitrile/1% trifluoroacetic acid in water).

All the 1-sulfonyl indole products (E2-E73) were characterised by LC/MS (see Table 1) and some were further characterised by NMR. For example, the data for compound (E19) was as follows: δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 9.22 (1H, s), 7.80 (3H, m), 7.59 (1H, d J=1 Hz), 6.77 (1H, d, J=2.1 Hz), 6.59 (1H, d, J=1.0 Hz), 3.48 (8H, m, J=5.6 Hz), 2.59 (2H, t, J=2 Hz), 1.60 (2H, q, J=2.0 Hz), 0.90 (3H, m). LC/MS: (MH⁺) m/z 384 (100%). TABLE 1 Example R MH⁺ Example R H⁺ E2 

420 E3 

432 E4 

444 E5 

410 E6 

384 E7 

360 E8 

376 E9 

421 E10

468 E11

372 E12

356 E13

400 E14

370 E15

386 E16

410 E17

504 E18

370 E19

384 E20

456 E21

360 E22

360 E23

424 E24

376 E25

356 E26

410 E27

416 E28

460 E29

425 E30

367 E31

367 E32

414 E33

534 E34

394 E35

361 E36

538 E37

374 E38

406 E39

378 E40

400 E41

346 E42

384 E43

406 E44

415 E45

418 E46

426 E47

378 E48

398 E49

504 E50

418 E51

448 E52

422 E53

434 E54

478 E55

393 E56

384 E57

468 E58

360 E59

372 E60

378 E61

426 E62

387 E63

426 E64

378 E65

480 E66

446 E67

430 E68

391 E69

478 E70

410 E71

418 E71

408 E73

435

EXAMPLE 74 5-Chloro-1-(3-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole trifluoroacetic acid salt (E74)

A mixture of trifluoroacetic acid/DCM (5 ml, 10% v/v) was added to 4-[5-chloro-1-(3-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D7) (40 mg, 78 mmol) and the resulting reaction mixture stirred for 4 hours before being concentrated in vacuo to provide the title compound (E74) (40 mg, 100%), δH (DMSO-d₆)/ppm 3.24 (4H, br s), 3.46 (4H, br s), 7.03 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.40 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.65 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.76-7.85 (2H, m), 7.97-8.00 (2H, m), 8.12 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz), 8.95 (2H, br s). MS: m/z (MH⁺) 409/411.

EXAMPLES 75-78 General Procedure for the Preparation of 1-arylsulfonyl-4-piperazin-1-yl-5-chloro-1H-indoles

The title compounds E75-E78 (Table 2) were prepared from 4-5-chloro-1H-indolyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D16) and the corresponding arylsulfonyl chloride according to the procedure used in Description 7. This was followed by deprotection, as described in Example 74. The compounds were characterised by LC/MS (Table 2). TABLE 2

(E75-E78 ) Example R MH⁺ S-Chloro-1-(3,5-dichlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1- yl-1H-indole trifluoroacetic acid salt (E75)

443/445 5-Chloro-1-(2,6-dichlorobenzenesullonyl)-4-piperazin-1- yl-1H-indole trifluoroacetic acid salt (E76)

443/445 5-Chloro-1-(naphthalene-2-sulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H- indole trifluoroacetic acid salt (E77)

425/427 5-Chloro-1-(3,5-dichloro-2-methoxy benzenesulfonyl)-4- piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole trifluoroacetic acid salt (E78)

473/475

EXAMPLE 79 5-Methoxy-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)-1H-indole (E79)

5-Methoxy-1-(toluenensulfonyl)-4H-indol-4-ylazine-9) (0.7 g, 2.2 mmol) was dissolved in n-butanol (20 ml) followed by addition of sodium carbonate (1.17 g, 11.0 mmol) and methchlorethanine hydrohloride (0.64 g, 3.3 mmol). The resulting suspension was stirred and heated to 150° C. for 3 days. After allowing to cool to ambient temperature the solvent was removed in vacuo, the residue taken up in dichloromethane (50 g) and washed with saturated sodium hydrogencarbonate solution (2×20 ml). The organic phase was dried (MgSO₄), filtered and solvent evaporated. The crude was purified by column chromatography on silica, eluting with a methanol/DCM gradient to afford the title compound (E79) (0.18 g, 20%). δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 2.34 (3H, s), 2.36 (3H, s), 2.54 (4H, br s), 3.25 (4H, br s), 3.81 (3H, s), 6.76 (1H, d, J=3.7 Hz), 6.89 (1H, d, J=8.9 Hz), 7.20 (2H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.44 (1H, d, J=3.9 Hz), 7.63 (1H, d, J=8.9 Hz), 7.73 (2H, d, J=8.1 Hz). MS: m/z (MH⁺) 400.

EXAMPLE 80 5-Methoxy-4-(piperazin-1-yl)-1-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)-1H-indole (E80)

The title compound E80 was prepared according to the general method described in Example 1, from 5-methoxy-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1-(toluenesulfonyl)-1H-indole (E79) (26 mg, 65 mmol). This gave the desired product (E80) in free base form (10 mg, 40%), δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 2.34 (3H, s), 3.31 (4H, br s), 3.38 (4H, br s), 3.87 (3H, s), 6.81 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.05 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.29 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 7.57 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.75-7.77 (3H, m). MS m/z (MH⁺) 386.

EXAMPLES 81-105 General Procedure for the Preparation of 1-arylsulfonyl-4-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-1H-indoles (E81-E105)

The title compounds (E81-E105) (see Table 3) were prepared by the general method described in Description 2, using 4-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-1H-indole (D1) in place of 4-(4-benzyl-piperazin-1-yl)-1H-indole. All the indole products (E81-E105) were purified by column chromantography on silica gel eluting with a gradient of MeOH/DCM/methanolic ammonia (2M), and were characterized by LC/MS (see Table 3).

EXAMPLE 106-128 General Procedure for the Preparation of 1-arylsulfonyl-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indoles (E106-E128) Via N-demethylation

The title compounds (E106-E128) (Table 3) were prepared as free bases from the corresponding 1-arylsulfonyl-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1H-indoles (E81-E105) by treatment with 1-chloroethyl chloroformate according to the method described in Example 1. The compounds were characterized by LC/MS (Table 3). TABLE 3

R Example MH⁺ Example MH⁺

E81 440 E106 426

E82 434 E107 420

E83 430 E108 416

E84 418 E109 404

E85 474 — —

E86 440 E110 426

E87 390 E111 376

E88 404 E112 390

E89 434 E113 420

E90 406 E114 392

E91 424 E115 410

E92 412 E116 398

E93 424 E117 410

E94 356 E118 342

E95 401 E119 387

E96 474 — —

E97 381 E120 367

E98 362 E121 348

E99 424 E122 410

E100 408 E123 394

E101 404 E124 390

E102 446 E125 432

E103 436 E126 421

E104 434 E127 420

E105 404 E128 390

EXAMPLES 129-131 General Procedure for the Preparation of 1-arylsulfonyl-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indoles (E129-E131) Via N-Boc Deprotection

To a solution of 4-(1H-Indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (0.1 g, 0.33 mmol) (for synthesis see: WO 9967237 (1999)) in THF (1 ml) was added a 1M solution of potassium tert-butoxide in THF (0.4 ml, 0.4 mmol) and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. A solution of the appropriate aryl sulfonyl chloride (0.66 mmol) (see D11 for E130, D10 for E131 and Yakugaku Zasshi, 1957, 77, 969-971 for the preparation of 2-methoxy-3,5-dichloro-benzenesulfonyl chloride for E129) in ISF (1 ml) was then added and after 5 hours at room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (7 ml) and washed with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (2×7 ml). The organic phase was dried, concentrated and the resulting residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel eluting with a gradient of ethyl acetate/hexane to give the corresponding intermediate N-Boc protected 1-arylsulfonyl-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indoles. These materials were deprotected by the method described in Example 74 to afford the tide compounds (E129-131). The compounds were characterised by LC/MS (Table 4). TABLE 4 Example MH⁺ 1-(3,5-Dichloro-2-methoxybenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H- 440 indole (E129) 4-Piperazin-1-yl-1-(2,3,5-trichlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indole 444 (E130) 1-(2-Chloro-3,5-difluorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H- 412 indole (E131)

EXAMPLE 132 5-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E132)

4-[5Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D13) (17.2 g, 33.7 mmol) was dissolved in 1,4-ioxane (180 ml) and treated with an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid (4 M, 180 ml). The cloudy mixture was warmed to 70° C. and stirred for two hours, then cooled and evaporated. The crystalline residue was recrystallised first from isopropanol then from methanol-water to afford the title compound (E132) as a white crystalline solid (10.5 g, 23.5 mmol, 70%): δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 3.4 (4H, br s), 3.6 (4H, br s), 4.8 (2H, br s), 6.9 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.23 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.52 (1H, t, J=4.0 Hz), 7.65-7.76 (2H, m), 7.82 (1H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 7.90 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.96 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz); m.p. (dec.) 240-241° C. (methanol-water) (crystal appearance changes at ca. 119° C.); Water Carl Fischer) 2.7% w/w; Ionic chloride analysis: found 7.7% w/w (theoretical based on 2.7% w/w water 7.7%).

EXAMPLE 133 4-Piperazin-1-yl-1-(1,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonyl)-1H-indole hydrochloride (E133)

4-(1H-Indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (120 mg, 0.4 mmol) (for synthesis see: WO 9967237 (1999)) was dissolved in THF (1 ml). Potassium tert-butoxide in THF (1 M, 0.4 ml) was added, followed by a solution of 1,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonyl chloride (94 mg, 0.45 mmol) in THF (2 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h under argon. Ethyl acetate (4 ml) was added and the mixture washed with water, brine, and then dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The material thus obtained was purified using column chromatography to give the N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl protected intermediate (180 mg). This material was treated with 20% trifluoroacetic acid in DCM for 1 h. Evaporation in vacuo, treatment with 1M HCl in diethyl ether and evaporation in vacuo gave the title compound (E133) as a colourless solid (76 mg); δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 2.24 (3H, s), 2.47 (3H, s), 3.31 (8H, br s), 3.66 (3H, s), 6.81 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 6.90 (1H, d, J=3.7 Hz), 7.24 (1H, m), 7.43 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.76 (1H, d, 3.7 Hz), 9.63 (2H, br s). MS: m/z (M+H)⁺ 374.

EXAMPLE 134 1-(4-Bromo-2-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E134)

4-(1H-Indolyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (120 mg, 0.4 mmol) (for synthesis see: WO 9967237 (1999)) was dissolved in THF (1 ml). Potassium tert-butoxide in THF (1 M, 0.4 ml) was added, followed by a solution of 4-bromo-2-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (153 mg, 0.45 mmol) in THF (2 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h under argon. Ethyl acetate (4 ml) was added and the mixture washed with water, brine, and then dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The material thus obtained was purified using column chromatography to give the N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl protected intermediate. This material was treated with 20% TFA in DCM for 1 h. Evaporation in vacuo, treatment with 1M HCl in diethyl ether and evaporation in vacuo gave the title compound (E134) as a colourless solid. (90 mg); δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 3.31 (8H, br s), 6.80 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 6.94 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.21 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.36 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.62 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.67 (1H, br s), 7.85 (1H, dd, J=1.6, 8.6 Hz), 8.17 (1H, d, J=8.6 Hz), 9.10 (2H, br s). MS: m/z (M+H)⁺ 504.

EXAMPLES 135-150 General Procedure for the Preparation of 1-arylsulfonyl-5-chloro-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochlorides

The title compounds E135-E150 (Table 5) were prepared from 4-(5-chloro-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D14) and the corresponding arylsulfonyl chlorides according to the procedure used in Description 7 followed by deprotection using 20% TFA in DCM for 1 h. Evaporation in vacuo, treatment with excess HCl in diethyl ether (1 M) in the presence of methanol and evaporation in vacuo gave the title compounds which were characterised by LC/MS (Table 5). TABLE 5

(E135-E150) Example R MH⁺ 1-(Benzenesulfonyl)-5-chloro-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E135)

376 5-Chloro-1-(2,6-difluorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl- 1H-indole hydrochloride (E136)

412 1-(2-Bromobenzenesulfonyl)-5-chloro-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H- indole hydrochloride (E137)

456 5-Chloro-1-(2-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H- indole hydrochloride (E138)

410 5-Chloro-1-(3-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-4- piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E139)

444 5-Chloro-1-(3-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-4-yl-1H- indole hydrochloride (E140)

390 1-(3-Bromobenzenesulfonyl)-5-chloro-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H- indole hydrochloride (E141)

455 1-(4-Bromo-2-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-chloro- 4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E142)

539 5-Chloro-1-(3-cyanobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H- indole hydrochloride (E143)

401 5-Chloro-1-(1-naphthalenesulf nyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H- indole hydrochloride (E144)

426 5-Chloro-1-(2,5-difluorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl- 1H-indole hydrochloride (E145)

412 5-Chloro-1-(4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H- indole hydrochloride (E146)

394 5-Chloro-1-(4-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H- indole hydrochloride (E147)

410 5-Chloro-1-(1,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-sulfonyl)-4- piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E148)

408 5-Chloro-1-(pyridine-2-sulfonyl)-4-piperazin-4-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E149)^([a])

377 5-Chloro-1-(2,5-dimethylbenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl- 1H-indole hydrochloride (E150)

404 ^([a])From 2-pyridyl sulfonyl chloride [J. Org. Chem. 1989, 54 (2), 392.]

EXAMPLE 151 3-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E151)

The title compound (E151) was obtained as a white solid following deprotection of D16 and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 3.24-3.32 (4H, m), 3.42-3.48 (4H, m), 7.04 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.41 (1H, t, J=8.2 Hz), 7.56 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.69 (1H, dd, J=7.1, 0.9 Hz), 7.82-7.88 (2H, m), 7.92 (1H, dd, J=8.0, 1.0 Hz), 8.07 (1H, s). MS: m/z (M+H)⁺ 410.

EXAMPLE 152 7-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E152)

The title compound (E152) was obtained as a white solid following deprotection of D17 and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 3.28-3.36 (4H, m), 3.43-3.48 (4H, m), 6.87 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 6.96 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.21 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.56 (1H, t, J=8.1 Hz), 7.70 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 2.0, 1.0 Hz), 7.76 (1H, ddd, J=7.8, 1.8, 1.0 Hz), 7.83 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz), 7.95 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz). MS: m/z (M+H)⁺ 410.

EXAMPLE 153 7-Chloro-1-(3,5-dichlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E153)

4-(7-Chloro-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-arboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D15, ca. 90% purity) (200 mg, 0.6 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (5 ml) and 3,5-dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (147 mg, 0.6 mmol) added. Sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil, 72 mg, 1.8 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred under argon for 16 h. The mixture was quenched with water, and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The crude residue was purified using column chromatography to give the N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl protected intermediate. This material was treated with 20% trifluoroacetic acid in DCM for 1 h. Evaporation in vacuo, treatment with 1M HCl in diethyl ether and evaporation in vacuo gave the title compound (E153) as a colourless solid (85 mg), δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 3.29 (8H, br s), 6.88 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.09 (H, d, J=3.9 Hz), 7.26 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.99 (3H, m), 8.09 (1H, m), 9.36 (2H, br s).

EXAMPLES 154-155 General Procedure for the Preparation of 1-arylsulfonyl-7-chloropiperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochlorides

The title compounds E154-E155 (Table 6) were prepared from 4-(7chloro-1H-indolyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D14) and the corresponding arylsulfonyl chlorides and converted to the hydrochloric acid salts according to the procedure used for E153 to give the title compounds (E154-E155) which were characterised by LC/MS (Table 5). E155 required purification by preparative HPLC (details see E2-E73) followed by treatment with hydrogen chloride (1 M solution in diethyl ether, 2 ml). TABLE 6

Example R MH⁺ 1-Benzenesulfonyl-7-choro-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E154)

376 1-(4-Bromo-2-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl-7-chloro-4- piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E155)

539

EXAMPLE 156 7-Bromo-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E156)

4-(7-Bromo-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D18) (0.063 g) was allowed to react with hydrochloric acid (4 M in 1,4-dioxane, 2 ml) for 4 h. Volatiles were evaporated and the residue purified by preparative HPLC (details see E2-E73) followed by treatment with hydrogen chloride (1 M solution in diethyl ether, 1 ml) in the presence of methanol (2 ml) and evaporation to yield the title compound (E156) (0.019 g) as a colourless solid. δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 3.30-3.37 (4H, m), 3.43-3.50 (4H, m), 6.83 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 6.98 (1H, d, J=3.9 Hz), 7.45 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.57 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.68-7.73 (1H, m), 7.73-7.80 (1H, m), 7.83 (1H, t, J=1.9.Hz), 7.97 (1H, d, J=3.9 Hz). MS: m/z (M+H)⁺ 454.

EXAMPLE 157 7-Cyano-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E157)

The title compound (E157) was obtained as a white solid following deprotection of 4-[7-cyano-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D20) and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E156. δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 3.45-3.49 (4H, m), 3.49-3.54 (4H, m), 6.97 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.02 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.58 (1H, t, J=8.1 Hz), 7.67 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.72 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 2.0, 1.0 Hz), 7.93 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 2.0, 1.0 Hz), 7.96 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 8.05 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz). MS: m/z (M+H)⁺ 401/403.

EXAMPLE 158 1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-3,5-dichloro-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E158)

To a stirred solution of 4-(1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (for synthesis see: WO 9967237 (1999)) (0.50 g, 1.7 mmol) in dry 1,4-dioxane (10 ml) and water (0.003 ml) at 10° C. was added N-chlorosuccinimide (0.49 g). The mixture was allowed to warm to 25° C. with stirring over 4 h. Saturated aqueous sodium thiosulfate (5 ml) and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (5 ml) were added. The resultant mixture was stirred vigorously for 5 min and then partitioned between tert-butyl methyl ether and water. The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with a mixture of dichloromethane and tert-butyl methyl ether to afford a mixture of compounds (0.47 g) as judged by proton NMR spectroscopy. This was dissolved in dry THF (10 ml) and potassium tert-butoxide (1 M solution in THF, 1.5 ml) and 3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.22 ml) were added with stirring. After 2 h the resultant solution was partitioned between tert-butyl methyl ether and water containing brine and sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer was concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with a mixture of petroleum ether (40-60), dichloromethane and tert-butyl methyl ether to afford a mixture of compounds (0.28 g) as a brown oil containing some solid. This was treated with trifluoroacetic acid for 30 min, the volatiles were then evaporated and the residue purified by preparative HPLC (details see E2-E73) followed by treatment with hydrogen chloride (1 M solution in diethyl ether, 2 ml) and evaporation to yield the title compound (E158) (0.080 g) as a colourless solid. δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 3.19-3.28 (2H, m), 3.28-3.48 (4H, m), 3.80-3.90 (2H, m), 7.45 (1H, d, J=8.7 Hz), 7.52-7.62 (1H, m), 7.71 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.93-8.02 (3H, m), 8.05 (1H, s). MS: m/z (M+H)⁺ 444.

EXAMPLE 159 1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-5,7-dichloro piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E159)

To a stirred solution of 4-[5-chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D13) (0.63 g, 1.2 mmol) in dry 1,4-dioxane (10 ml) and water (0.004 ml) was added N-chlorosuccinimide (0.23 g). The mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 1 h and at 80° C. for 15 h. Additional N-chlorosuccinimide (0.17 g) was added and heating continued for 8 h at 90° C. Saturated aqueous sodium thiosulfate (15 ml), saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (15 ml) and tert-butyl methyl ether were added. After stirring this mixture for 15 h the organic layer was collected, concentrated in vacuo and partially purified by preparative HPLC (details see E2-E73). The material thus obtained was allowed to react with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate in dioxane (0.5 M, 15 ml) and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (8 ml) for 65 h. The mixture was partitioned between half concentrated brine and tert-butyl methyl ether. The organic layer was concentrated in vacuo and submitted to column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with a mixture of petroleum ether (40-60), dichloromethane and tert-butyl methyl ether to afford a mixture which was treated with trifluoroacetic acid (1.5 ml) in DCM (4 ml) for 30 min. Volatiles were evaporated and the residue purified by preparative HPLC (details see E2-E73) followed by treatment with hydrogen chloride (1 M solution in diethyl ether, 1 ml) in the presence of methanol (2 ml) and evaporation to yield the title compound (E159) (0.020 g) as a colourless solid. δH (DMSO-d₆)/ppm 3.26 (4H, br s), 3.42 (4H, br s), 7.15 (1H, d, J=3.9 Hz), 7.45 (1H, s), 7.69 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.87-7.92 (2H, m), 8.02 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz), 8.12 (1H, d, J=1.9 Hz), 8.90 (2H, br s). MS: m/z (M+H)⁺ 444.

EXAMPLE 160 5-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E160)

Palladium acetate (30 mg, 0.13 mmol), (±)-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (120 mg, 0.19 mmol), and cesium carbonate (590 mg, 1.8 mmol) in dioxane (20 ml) were sonicated at 35° C. for 30 minutes. The resulting deep red suspension was mixed with 1-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-[1, 4]diazepane (360 mg, 1.8 mmol) and nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonic acid-[5-chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indole-4-yl] ester (D21) (700 mg, 1.1 mmol) in dioxane (5 ml) and the mixture heated to 95° C. for 8 h. After cooling, the reaction mixture was concentrated and submitted to column chromatography to give the N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl protected intermediate (180 mg). This material was treated with 20% trifluoroacetic acid in DCM for 30 min. Evaporation in vacuo, purification by preparative HPLC (details see E2-E73), treatment with 1M HCl in diethyl ether and evaporation in vacuo gave the title compound (E160) as a colourless solid (8 mg); MS: m/z (M+H)⁺ 424.

EXAMPLE 161 5-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4((R)-3-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1H-indole (E161)

Palladium acetate (30 mg, 0.13 mmol), (±)-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (120 mg, 0.19 mmol), and cesium carbonate (590 mg, 1.8 mmol) in dioxane (20 ml) were sonicated at 35° C. for 30 minutes. The resulting deep red suspension was mixed with (R)-2-methylpiperazine (185 mg, 1.8 mmol) and nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonic acid-(5-chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indole4-yl] ester (D21) (700 mg, 1.1 mmol) in dioxane (5 ml) and the mixture heated to 95° C. for 8 h under argon. After cooling, the reaction mixture was concentrated and purified using column chromatography to give the title compound (E161) as a brown solid (27 mg); δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.17 (3H, m), 3.05-3.39 (7H, m), 6.87 (1H, br s), 7.30 (1H, d, J=5.5 Hz), 7.40 (1H, m), 7.51 (2H, m), 7.66 (1H, d, J=5.5 Hz), 7.74 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 7.84 (1H, m).; NH not visible.

EXAMPLE 162 5-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-((S)-3-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1H-indole (E162)

The title compound was obtained in the same way as for E161 using (5)-2-methylpiperazine instead of the (R)-isomer to give the title compound (E162) (69 mg) as a brown solid; δH (CDCl₃)/ppm 1.12 (3H, m), 2.98-3.32 (7H, m), 6.86 (1H, d, J=3.5 Hz), 7.30 (1H, m), 7.40 (1H, m), 7.50 (2H, m), 7.64 (1H, m), 7.71-7.76 (1H, m), 7.84 (1H, m); NH not visible,

EXAMPLE 163 1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-fluoro-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E163)

A mixture of 4-[1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D12) (100 mg, 0.21 mmol) and Selectfluor™ (75 mg, 0.21 mmol) in acetonitrile (10 ml) was heated to reflux for 16 h. After allowing to cool to ambient temperature the mixture was poured into diethyl ether and washed with water, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and the solvent evaporated in vacuo. Purification was achieved by means of preparative HPLC (details see E2-E73) followed by treatment with excess HCl in diethyl ether (1 M) in the presence of methanol and evaporation to provide the title compound as a clear paste (10 mg); δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 3.37 (4H, m), 3.44 (4H, m), 6.92 (1H, dd, J=3.8, 0.5 Hz), 7.12 (1H, m), 7.23 (1H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.51 (1H, t, J=8.1 Hz), 7.65 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 2.0, 1.0 Hz), 7.78 (1H, ddd, J=9.1, 3.8, 0.5 Hz), 7.87 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 0.1, 0.1 Hz), 7.93 (1H, t, J=1.8 Hz); MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 394.

EXAMPLE 164 1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-cyano-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E164)

The title compound (E164) was obtained as a colourless solid (60 mg) following deprotection of 4-[1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-cyano-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D22) and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 3.42 (4H, t, J=5.1 Hz), 3.69 (4H, t, J=5.0 Hz), 7.04 (1H, dd, J=3.9, 0.8 Hz), 7.50-7.60 (2H, m), 7.69 (1H, ddd, J=8.1, 2.0, 1.0 Hz), 7.79 (1H, d, J=4.2 Hz), 7.95-8.00 (2H, m), 8.01 (1H, t, J=2.0 Hz); MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 401.

EXAMPLE 165 1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-2-methyl-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E165)

The title compound (E165) was obtained as a colourless solid (7 mg) following deprotection of 4-[1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-2-methyl-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D23) (8 mg, 0.02 mmol) and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 2.55 (3H, s), 3.38 (4H, t, J=5.0 Hz), 3.46 (4H, t, J=5.0 Hz), 6.86 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 6.89 (1H, m), 7.20 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.36 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.39 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 7.67-7.76 (3H, m); MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 390.

EXAMPLE 166 6-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E166)

The title compound (166) was obtained as a white powder (0.18 g) following deprotection of 4-[6-chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D26) (0.32 g) and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 3.35-3.38 (4H, m), 3.42-3.46 (4H, m), 6.88 (2H, s), 7.56 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.67-7.74 (3H, m), 7.90 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz), 7.96 (1H, s); MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 410.

EXAMPLE 167 1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-3-methyl-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E167)

The title compound (E167) was obtained as an off-white solid (30 mg) following deprotection of 4-[1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-3-methyl-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D40) (40 mg, 0.08 mmol) and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 2.49 (3H, s), 3.21 (4H, br s), 3.40 (4H, br s), 7.03 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz), 7.30 (1H, m), 7.41 (1H, s), 7.48 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.60 (1H, m), 7.80 (2H, s), 7.88 (1H, br s); MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 390.

EXAMPLE 168 1-(4-Chloro-2-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E168)

The title compound (E168) was obtained from 4-chloro-2-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (D27) and 4-(1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (for synthesis see: WO 9967237 (1999)) followed by deprotection and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 460.

EXAMPLE 169 5-Chloro-1-(4-chloro-2-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (169)

The title compound (E169) was obtained from 4-chloro-2-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (D27) and 4-(5-chloro-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D14) followed by deprotection and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 494.

EXAMPLE 170 1-(4-Bromo-2-cyanobenzenesulfonyl)-5-chloro-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E170)

The title compound (E170) was obtained as a white solid from 4-bromo-2-cyanobenzenesulfonyl chloride (D28) and 4-5chloro-1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D14) followed by deprotection and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 479.

EXAMPLE 171 1-(4-Bromo-2-cyanobenzenesulfonyl)-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E171)

The title compound (E171) was obtained as an off-white solid from 4-bromo-2-cyanobenzenesulfonyl chloride (D28) and 4-(1H-indol-4-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (for synthesis see: WO 9967237 (1999)) followed by deprotection and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 445.

EXAMPLE 172 1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-methoxy-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E172)

The title compound (E172) (44 mg off-white solid) was obtained from 4-[5-methoxy-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D30) (66 mg) by deprotection and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 406.

EXAMPLE 173 1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-7-methoxy-4-piperazin-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E173)

The tide compound (E173) (31 mg off-white solid) was obtained from 4-[7-methoxy-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D31) (31 mg) by deprotection and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 3.28-3.35 (4H, m), 3.45-3.48 (4H, m), 3.67 (3H, s), 6.75 (1H, d, J=8.5 Hz), 6.83-6.88 (2H, m), 7.57 (1H, t, J=8.0 Hz), 7.69 (1H, dd, J=8.1, 1.0 Hz), 7.77-7.80 (1H, m), 7.86-7.90 (2H, m); MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 406.

EXAMPLE 174 1-(3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E174)

The title compound (E174) (90 mg off-white solid) was obtained from 4-[1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-[1,4]diazepan-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D35) (129 mg) by deprotection and hydrochloride salt formation as described for E135-E150. MS: m/z (M+H⁺) 390.

EXAMPLE 175 7-Chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-4-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl-1H-indole hydrochloride (E175)

To a stirred solution of 4-[1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-[1,4]diazepan-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (D35) (0.29 g) in dry 1,4-dioxane (20 ml) and water (2 μl) was added N-chlorosuccinimide (0.087 g). The mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 16 h. Additional N-chlorosuccinimide (0.045 g) was added and heating continued for 5 h. Saturated aqueous sodium thiosulfate (5 ml) and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (5 ml) were added. The resultant mixture was stirred vigorously for 10 min and then extracted with tert-butyl methyl ether. The organic layer was collected, concentrated in vacuo and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, eluting with an ethyl acetate/petroleum ether (40-60) gradient to give, eluting after 4-[5-chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-[1,4]diazepan-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, a mixture of compounds containing 4-[7-chloro-1-(3-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl]-[1,4]diazepan-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester. This mixture was treated with TFA (2 ml) in DCM (2 ml) for 30 min followed by removal of volatiles in vacuo. Purification by preparative HPLC (details see E2-E73) followed by treatment with excess HCl in diethyl ether (1 M) in the presence of methanol and evaporation in vacuo yielded the title compound (E175) as an off-white solid (36 mg); δH (CD₃OD)/ppm 2.00-2.06 (2H, m), 3.21-3.30 (6H, m), 3.41-3.44 (2H, m), 6.63 (1H, d, J=8.5 Hz), 6.71 (1H, d, J=3.9 Hz), 6.94 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.34 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.48 (1H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 7.54 (1H, d, J=8.0 Hz), 7.59 (1H, s), 7.70 (1H, d, J=3.9 Hz); MS: m/z (M+H)⁺ 424.

Pharmacological Data

Compounds can be tested following the procedures outlined in WO 98/27081. All examples were found to have a pKi in the range 7.0-9.7 at human cloned 5-HT₆ receptors.

Furthermore, Examples E5, E12, E14, E21-22, E24-E26, E28, E31, E36-37, E39-40, E42-43, E46, E49, E68, E70, E76-78, E80, E82, E85, E87, E90-91, E93-94, E98-100, E103-105, E107, E111-113, E115, E118-119, E121, E123, E125-126, E131-E132, E135, E137, E139-140, E149, E151-154, E156-159, E163, E165-168, E170-173 and E175 were found to have a pKi in the range 8.8-9.7. 

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

wherein: P is phenyl, naphthyl or heteroaryl; R¹ is halogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, C₁₋₆alkanoyl, CN, CF₃, OCF₃, phenyloxy, benzyloxy or C₃₋₆cycloalkyloxy; R² is halogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, C₁₋₆alkylthio, C₁₋₆alkylsulphinyl, C₁₋₆alkylsulphonoyl, C₁₋₆alkanoyl, CN, CF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCF₃, hydroxy, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkoxy, C₁₋₆alkoxcarbonyl, C₁₋₆alkoxyC₁₋₆alkoxy, nitro, amino, N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, NHC₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆alkylamino or diC₁₋₆alkylamino; or R² is a group C(O)OR⁴, CONR⁵R⁶ or NR⁵COR⁶ where R⁴ is hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl, and R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl or R⁵ and R⁶ combine together to form a 5- to 7-membered azacyclic ring optionally containing an additional heteroatom selected from nitrogen, sulphur or oxygen; or R² is phenyl, naphthyl or heteroaryl optionally substituted by groups as defined for R¹ above; R³ is a 5- to 7-membered heterocyclic ring or a bicyclic heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, sulphur or oxygen, said rings being optionally substituted by one or more C₁₋₆alkyl groups; m is 0-4; n is 0-5; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.
 2. A compound of formula (IA) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which is a compound of formula (I) wherein R¹, R², R³, m, n and P are as defined in claim 1, with the proviso that the compound of formula (IA) is not 1H-indole, 4-(1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)-1-(phenylsulfonyl); or 1H-indole, 4-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)-1-[4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]; or 1H-indole, 1-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(4-morpholinyl).
 3. A compound according to claim 2 in which R³ is an unsubstituted piperazine ring.
 4. A compound according to claim 2 in which m is 1 and R¹ is chloro at the 5 position of the indole ring.
 5. A compound according to claim 2 in which m is 2 and R¹ is 5,7-dichloro.
 6. A compound according to claim 2 in which P is phenyl, pyridyl or pyrazolyl.
 7. A compound according to claim 6 in which P is phenyl
 8. A compound according to claim 2 in which n is 1 and R² is chlorine, bromine, methyl, OCF₃ or cyano.
 9. A compound according to claim 8 in which n is 1 and R² is chlorine.
 10. A compound according to claim 2 which is a compound E1-E175 (as shown above) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 11. A compound of formula (I) as defined in claim 1 for use in therapy.
 12. A compound of formula (I) as defined in claim 1 for use in the treatment of depression, anxiety, cognitive memory disorders, Alzheimers disease, age related cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, ADHD and/or schizophrenia.
 13. A method of treatment of depression, anxiety and cognitive memory disorders, Alzheimers disease, age related cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, ADHD and/or schizophrenia which comprises administering to a patient an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) as defined in claim
 1. 14. (canceled)
 15. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) as defined in claim 1 for use in the treatment of depression, anxiety, cognitive memory disorders, Alzheimers disease, age related cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, ADHD and/or schizophrenia.
 16. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (IA) as defined in claim 2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which process comprises (a) the coupling of a compound of formula (II):

in which R¹, R³ and m are as defined in formula (IA) or protected derivatives thereof with a compound of formula (III):

in which P, R² and n are as defined in formula (I) or a protected derivative thereof and L is a leaving group and optionally thereafter: removing any protecting groups, forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt; (b) preparing a compound of formula (IA) wherein R³ represents an optionally substituted piperazinyl or 1,4-diazepanyl group linked to the indole moiety via a nitrogen atom which comprises reacting a compound of formula (IV)

wherein R¹, R², P, m and n are as defined in formula (IA) or a protected derivative thereof, and L² represents a suitable leaving group (eg. a halogen atom such as bromine or a trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy or nonafluorobutylsulfonyloxy group), with a compound of R^(3′)—H, wherein R^(3′) represents an optionally protected and/or substituted piperazinyl or 1,4-diazepanyl group and optionally thereafter: removing any protecting groups, forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt; or (c) deprotecting a compound of formula (IA) which is protected; or (d) interconversion of a compound of formula (IA) to other compounds of formula (IA). 